Melissa Sharplin at Linwood Art Auction

Melissa Sharplin working on the painting

Media Release: Melissa Sharplin at Linwood Art Auction

Popular NZ artist Melissa Sharplin premiere’s her new work at the Linwood Art Auction.

March 15, 2010
Award winning NZ artist Melissa Sharplin will unveil her exciting new work ‘Weight of the World’, at this year’s Linwood Art Auction, one of the largest sales of New Zealand Contemporary Art.

This is the first of Sharplin’s 2010 collection, and is a glimpse of the artist’s work before she releases her exhibition ‘Swit-Swurl’, which is to be premiered later this year. Sharplin’s work will be featured alongside other prominent New Zealand artists such as: Philip Trusttum, Gretchen Albrecht and Bill Hammond.

Sharplin wowed the auction audience last year with her stunning piece ‘Ahab’s Wife’, which raised $12,000 for students travelling to China. This year, the odds are no different, with an equally stunning work that Sharplin claims is her most vulnerable and personally reflective piece;

"This painting reflects a time in my life when I felt as though the weight of the world was on my shoulders, Her wet eyes portray sadness and vulnerability - with a staunch almost clenched jaw and strong pout signifying control over her true emotions, the model illustrates how at times we can feel so much pressure, but with strong determination and a deep breath you can keep on going. The Universal cultural symbols scattered all over her neckline and top symbolise all different topics of life for me over the years".
Melissa Sharplin, 2010

Sharplin’s international success includes winning Most Popular Artist 2002 in England, and establishing a high demand for privately commissioned works. In addition to the unveiling of ‘Weight of the World’, Sharplin will also be exhibiting 4 pieces from her popular collection ‘Retro Nudes’ and 2 limited edition prints. If you haven’t experienced any of Melissa Sharplin’s work, this auction is the perfect opportunity to be delighted.

Regarded as one of New Zealand’s largest sales of Contemporary Art, the Linwood Art Auction is fast becoming a prominent platform for emerging artists, and a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for the students of Linwood High School. In 2007, the auction raised $15,000. However, last year, with the help of artists like Melissa Sharplin, the auction raised a staggering $21,500, a real feat in a recessional year. This year, the auction is raising funds for The Linwood Orchestra and Jazz Band to travel and perform overseas.

The auction commences at 7pm on Friday 26th of March, at Turners Auction, 1 Detroit Place. This will be one of Christchurch’s major arts events for the year, and a fabulous opportunity to see a diverse range of New Zealand Contemporary Art. Be there or be square.

ENDS

Open viewing begins from Saturday, March 20th. For further information or to register phone bids, please contact:
Tom Davies
School: 03 9820100
Mobile: 027 600 7779
Email: da@linwoodcollege.school.nz

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